Arizona State vs. Notre Dame: Game Preview With TV Schedule






After falling out of the ranks following a loss two weeks ago to the Stanford Cardinal, the Arizona State Sun Devils were determined to make their way back to the top-25. They did just that with a blowout win over the USC Trojans, 62-41, and they were the seal on Lane Kiffin‘s fate.

On the other side of the field, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have dropped out of the rankings in week six to make room for the Sun Devils. Luckily for the Irish, they get to fight for that spot back in the rankings as the Sun Devils will be taking a trip to South Bend to take on the 3-2 team.

Arizona State has one of the best passing attacks in the nation thanks to junior quarterback Taylor Kelly who has torn apart secondaries this season. Passing for 1,370 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season makes him the clear-cut leader of this team. Jaelen Strong has been Kelly’s favorite target, catching 31 passes for 433 yards and two scores. He has been a big reason for Kelly’s success this season.

Notre Dame is led by senior running back Tommy Rees who is filling in for Everett Golson who was suspended from the team indefinitely for off-field issues. The senior gunslinger started the season off strong, but has since been spotty at best. He is completing just over 50 percent of his passes for 1,215 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. If this team wants to experience any success this season, it needs better play from its quarterback.

Defensively, Notre Dame is not the same squad it was a season ago on defense, allowing 364 yards and 24 points per game on the young season. Arizona State’s defense is not any better as they just allowed 41 points in a win last week. They have allowed 385 yards and 28 points per game to start the season.

Arizona State will face off against the Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, Oct. 5. The game will be broadcasted on NBC.

PREDICTION: Arizona State 34, Notre Dame 31

Related: Notre Dame Will Not Make It Back To BCS Bowl This Year

Notre Dame Offense Continues To Struggle To Find Balance

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .

Be sure to check out the Rant Sports 100 in 100 Series, a preview of the top 100 College Football Teams for the 2013 Season!



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